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HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 354-10TO: HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL FROM: CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: COMMUNITY SERVICES DATE: SEPTEMBER 27,2010 CMR: 354:10 REPORT TYPE: CONSENT SUBJECT: Adopt a Resolution Naming the new Phase IV Area of Greer Park "Scott Meadow" in Recognition of Jean and Charles Scott's Contributions to the full Development of Greer Park RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution naming the new Phase IV area of Greer Park "Scott Meadow" in recognition and honor of Jean and Charles Scott (Attachment A­ Resolution). BACKGROUND At its April 12, 2004 meeting, Council adopted a revised park-naming policy that included detailed·criteria for the naming and re-naming of parks (and recreational facilities). Areas within City-owned land or facilities, such as a room or patio within a building, or a trail or athletic field within a park, do not require formal dedication by the City Council. The naming or re-naming of these places may be approved by the City Manager or his/her designee, subject to final approval by the City Council via the consent calendar. (Attachment B -Policy and Procedures 1- 15/MGR). Staff has received the attached naming application for Phase IV of Greer Park from the Midtown Residents Association (MRA) (Attachment C -Naming Application). The MRA has suggested the plot of land be named "Scott Meadow" in recognition of the outstanding contributions Jean and Charles Scott have made to the Palo Alto community and more specifically, in recognition of their dedication in working tirelessly to fully develop and fulfill the vision of those people who worked so hard to make Greer Park a reality. The master plan for Greer Park was created in 1974 and after 35 years of hard work, the Scotts' and others original dream is being fulfilled. The MRA wants to dedicate this last portion, Phase IV, to Jean's memory and to Charles, for their life-long commitment to completing Greer Park for the benefit of their neighbors. RESOURCE IMPACT The cost of erecting a sign with the name of the meadow has been included in the anticipated development costs of the park. There are no other resource impacts associated with this recommendation. The park is currently maintained by the City as a City-owned parcel of land. CMR: 354:10 Page 1 of2 POLICY IMPLICATIONS These recommendations are consistent with existing City policy and furthers Policy and Procedures 1-15. ALTERNATIVES In the alternative, the City Council may refer this matter to the Policy and Services Committee for a recommendation or rejection of the proposed name. ATTACHMENTS Attachment A: Resolution -Park Naming Attachment B: Policy and Procedures l-l5/MGR Naming City-Owned Land and Facilities Attachment C: Naming Application Attachment D: Biographical Information on Jean and Charles Scott PREPARED BY: ___ ......... @'--""'<....:::'i<-t1 ......... r)'---fL~ ___ --¥-~ ____ --..._ ERIN {EREZ---i A7strative Assistant, Community Services l~~ cpmGB TS DEPARTMENT APPROVAL: Interim Director, Community Services CITY MANAGER APPROVAL: _____________ _ CMR: 354:10 JAMES KEENE City Manager Page 2 of2 Not Yet Approved Resolution No. Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Naming the New Phase IV Area of Greer Park "Scott Meadow" in Recognition of Jean and Charles Scott's Contributions to the Full Development of Greer Park , WHEREAS, the John Lucas Greer Park is reserved for park, playground, recreation or conservation purposes under Section 22.08.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code; and WHEREAS, in accordance with Policy and Procedures 1-15, the Midtown Residents Association has filed a naming application with the City, which application requests a plot of land in Greer Park covered by the Greer Park Phase IV project be named "Scott Meadow" in recognition of the outstanding contributions made by Jean and Charles Scott to the Palo Alto community, in particular, the full developmel1t of Greer Park as a City park; and WHEREAS, the City Manager, consistent with the procedure set forth in Section I.F of Policy and Procedures 1-15 and upon the request of the Midtown Residents Association, wishes to present the request to the Council for its consideration; NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of the City of Palo Alto does hereby RESOLVE as follows: SECTION 1. The Council hereby names that portion of Greer Park, which is the subject of the Greer Park Phase IV project, more particularly described in Palo Alto Municipal Code section 22.08.010 and Exhibits A-I and A-I.l, setting forth the legal description in Exhibit A, attached hereto and incorporated herein, as "Scott Meadow," in recognition of Jean and Charles Scott's extensive contributions to the Palo Alto community, including working tirelessly over a thirty-five year period to fully develop rand that is now known as Greer Park. II II II II II II II II II 100908 jb 0073423 Not Yet Approved SECTION 2. The Council finds that the adoption of this resolution does not constitute a project under the California Environmental Quality Act and the CEQA Guidelines and, therefore, no environment assessment is required. . INTRODUCED AND PASSED: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTENTIONS: ATTEST: APPROVED: City Clerk Mayor APPROVED AS TO FORM: City Manager Senior Asst. City Attorney Director of Community Services Director of Administrative Services 100908 jb 0073423 100908 jb 0073423 Not Yet Approved EXHIBIT A PORTION OF GREER PARK -SCOTT MEADOW That certain 4.978 acre parcel of land conveyed by Bayshore Amusement Company, Inc. to city of Palo Alto by deed, dated July 8, 1963, and recorded August 26, 1963 in Book 6164 of Official Records, at page 745, Records of Santa Clara County, California. All lands owned by the city of Palo Alto, delineated in the following recorded documents: Parcell. 6.228 acres. Deed from Carrier Properties of Nevada, Inc. to City, recorded March 27, 1975, Book 335 of Official Records, page 172, Records of Santa Clara County, California, reserving therefrom a sanitary sewer easement for the benefit of the lands of grantor, as therein described. Parcel 2. 1.329 acres. Deed from Carrier Properties of Nevada, Inc. to City, recorded March 27, 1975, Book 335 of Official Records, page 172, Records of Santa Clara County, California. Parcel 3. 7.769 acres. Deed from United Artists Theater Circuit, Inc. to City, recorded February 21, 1975, Book 287, of Official Records, page 676, Records of Santa Clara County, California. Parcel 4. 0.741 acres. Deed from Arthur D. Nearon and Gladus H. Nearon to City, recorded February 28, 1975, Book 299 of Official Records, page 501, Records of Santa Clara County, California. POLICY AND PROCEDURES 1-15/MGR Revised: April 2008 NAMING CITY-OWNED LAND AND FACILITIES POLICY STATEMENT The purpose of this policy is to ensure that City-owned land and facilities, when named for individuals, are persons who have made significant contributions or performed services deemed to have been of major importance to the community. This policy establishes uniform procedures fOf the naming of City-owned land and facilities as set forth by Council Resolution No. 6211, approved on December 12, 1983, and revised by Council on April 12, 2004. The policy is applicable to new and existing City-owned land and facilities. The policy provides a mechanism for citizens to suggest names which they believe should be considered for new City facilities or land acquisitions and for the renaming of existing facilities and lands. The policy also establishes criteria which will guide the Historical Association and the appropriate City Commission or Committee in recommending names to the Council for approval. Naming and renaming City-owned land and facilities shall be the responsibility of the City Council. However, places within City-owned land or facilities, such as a room or patio within a building or a trail or athletic field within a park, which do not require formal dedication by the City Council, may be named by the City Manager or his/her designee, subject to final approval by the City Council via the consent calendar. This process does not apply to the naming of streets which will continue to be processed through the Planning and Community Environment Department (Policy and Procedure 1-16: Naming of City Streets). The naming of a street may be considered an appropriate alternative means of honoring an individual. The City Council has determined that significant individual, family or foundation contributions to the construction/renovation of City facilities can be recognized through the naming of said facilities after these groups. This document outlines the procedure to be followed when a fund­ raising group or board, with the approval of the City Council, embarks upon a capital campaign for the purpose of securing private funds for the acquisition of land, renovation/expansion of an existing building, or the construction ofa new facility, and wishes to offer naming opportunities in recognition of significant donations of money or land. The City Council has determined that significant contributions from corporations or corporate foundations to capital camp'l-igns will not be accepted in exchange for the ability to name entire facilities in recognition of these corporate entities. However, the City Council has agreed to allow naming recognition of corporate or commercial entities in facility interiors or on sub-facilities as described in this policy. Business logos associat~d with any benefactor seeking naming rights shall not be allowed on any City owned land, facility, building or sub-facility under this policy. Page 1 of8 I POLICY AND PROCEDURES l-lS/MGR Revised: April 2008 The City may remove any business name from a City facility or property if the business declares bankruptcy and goes out of business. The City may remove any individual name from a City facility or property if the person is convicted of a felony or other crime of moral turpitude. If a name is removed under this provision, the City shall not be required to return the donation. SECTION 1: PROCEDURE FOR NAMING NEW FACILITIES OR CITY-OWNED LANDS In cases involving a major capital fundraising campaign, there will be a separate and different procedure from the one outlined below. Section 3 below on "Naming Recognition for Capital Campaigns" further outlines this process. A. Responsibility of the Project Manager Implementation of this policy is the responsibility of the department in which the project to be named is managed. In the instance of a new City-owned land or facility, the project manager should incorporate the process for naming into the project schedule so the naming is accomplished in a timely manner. 1. Requests concerning a name to be given to the City-owned land or facility shall be made in writing on an approved suggestion form to the City Clerk. a. The project manager should alert the City Clerk when to expect the submission of names and the anticipated time frame for the naming process. b. The project manager may submit suggested names on an approved suggestion form on behalf of staff or citizens who have been involved in the project development. c. In some instances, it may be appropriate to actively solicit suggestions and, in those cases, the project manager should specify a time frame for submissions and method of notification. d. All submittals, whether from an individual or an organization, must include the name and address of the submitter. No anonymous submittals will be accepted. e. All suggestions will be given the same consideration without regard to the nomination source. 2. The project manager is responsible for conveying the name suggestion forms from the City Clerk to the Palo Alto Historjcal Association and presenting the recommendations from the Historical Association tb the appropriate commission or committee whose sphere of influence is most closely associated with the facility in question. The Parks and Recreation Commission shall review name suggestions for acquired land to be dedicated as a park, recreational facilities, community centers and interpretive centers. The Library Page 2 of8 POLICY AND PROCEDURES 1-151MGR Revised: April 2008 Advisory Commission shall review name suggestions for library facilities. The Public Art Commission shall review name suggestions for art facilities. The Policy and Services Committee shall review name suggestions for police, fire or utility facilities as well as major civic complexes. a. The Historical Association may also originate suggestions for names or provide suggestions for appropriate alternatives as part of its recommendations. b. The project manager shall assure that adequate time is allowed for the Historical Association and the appropriate commission or committee to evaluate the recommended names. c. The Historical Association shall determine if the suggested names meet the criteria of appropriate significance, and shall submit the recommendations to the appropriate commission or committee together with the rationale for the recommendations. The response from the Historical Association shall acknowledge all the names that are submitted, but recommend only those which it feels meet the criteria and warrant serious consideration. B. Responsibility of the Reviewing Commission Or Committee 1. The commission or committee shall conduct a public hearing, confirm that the recommended names meet' the criteria of apprqpriate significance, select recommendation(s) provided by the Historical Association, and shall forward its recommendation to the City Council. The report from the commission or committee shall acknowledge all of the recommended names together with their evaluation, but present only the name(s) which it feels best meets the criteria and merits serious consideration by the City Council. 2. Once approved, a transmittal and resolution will be prepared by staff for consideration and approval by the City Council. The transmittal shall include a narrative of historic reference prepared by the Palo Alto Historical Association for the name, a copy of the name suggestion form, and minutes of the Commission meeting when the recommendation was discussed. C. Criteria The following criteria shall be used in selecting an appropriate name for City-owned land and facilities. 1. The name should, if possible, have or preserve the geographic, environmental (relating to 'natural or physical features), historic or landmark connotation of particular significance to the area in which the land or facility is located, or for the City as a whole. Either connotation is equally valid. ' Page 3 of8 POLICY AND PROCEDURES 1-15/MGR Revised: April 2008 2. Acknowledgement of contributions: Consideration may be given to naming the City­ owned land or facility after an individual when the land or facility, or the money for its purchase, has been donated by the individual, or when otherwise warranted by some contribution or service which is deemed to be of major and lasting significance to the acquisition of that piece of land, or planning, development, construction or renovation of that particular facility. Donation of land or resources shall not constitute an obligation by the City to name the land or facility or any portion thereof, after an individual, family, or individual/family foundation. City-owned lands, parks, or entire facilities shall not be named for benefactor organizations, groups or businesses, but in special cases, may be considered for sub-facilities such as rooms or playgrounds. In cases involving a major capital fundraising campaign, see Section 3 below -Naming Recognition for Capital Campaigns. 3. Names honoring individuals or families, other than those of recognized historic importance, must be supported by compelling reasons. 4. In the event the City-owned land or facility was formerly school property or had other ownership such that the name of the school, building or site has community significance or community recognition, consideration may be given to preserving that name. 5. The City encourages naming which reflects the City'S ethnic and cultural diversity. 6. No City-owned land or facility shall be named after a seated elected or appointed official. 7. No City-owned land or facility shall be named after a person whose contribution to the City of Palo Alto was or is a part of that individual's normal duties as an employee of the City. An exception may be made for former such employees who have contributed volunteer services of an exceptional nature beyond their normal duties. 8. When naming sub-facilities or interior spaces, such as rooms or playgrounds, after corporate or commercial entities or foundations, these entities must abide by the City'S anti-discrimination policy. D. Council Action 1. The recommendations received from the Historical Association and the commission or committee shall be placed on the Council agenda for final approval. 2. Action by the Council shall be by Council Resolution. E. Follow-up to Selection of the Name 1. The above-described process for selecting an appropriate name should precede the preparation of a park dedication ordinance. Page 4 of8 j POLICY AND PROCEDURES 1-151MGR Revised: April 2008 2. Subsequent to approval by the City Council, the name for the City-owned land or facility shall be conveyed to the Department of Public Works for incorporation in City official maps and plans, and to the Palo Alto Historical Association for its records. F. Naming Places Within City-owned Land or Facilities In the case of places within City-owned land or facilities, where the policy does not require a Council resolution, responsibility for requesting Council approval of the new name shall reside with the department head who manages the land or facility. Ideally, the naming of features within a park and specific trails or facilities within open space lands will occur during the master plan or site plan process. Names within parks should be appropriate to the park by reflecting the expression of the place (topography, geology, natural features), flora and fauna, or history of the area. In advance of the naming, the department head shall send a memorandum to the City Manager advising of the proposed action and requesting approval. The City Manager will then seek approval of the name from the City Council via the consent calendar. SECTION 2: PROCEDURE FOR RENAMING EXISTING FACILITIES OR CITY· OWNED LANDS Existing place names are deemed to have historic recognition. City policy is not to change the name of any existing facilities or City-owned land, particularly one whose name has City or regional significance, unless there are compelling reasons to do so. Further, the City will consider renaming to commemorate a person or persons only when the person or persons have made major, overriding contributions to the City and whose distinctions are as yet unrecognized. A. Renaming Suggestions 1. All requests concerning a new name to be given to the City-owned land or facility shall be made in writing on an approved suggestion form to the City Clerk. The suggestion must detail how the proposed name change is consistent with the criteria:, the purpose of the name change, and how the new name is directly associated with the land or facility. 2. All submittals, whether from an individual, organization or City staff, must include the name and address or the submitter. No anonymous submittals will be accepted. 3. The City Council shall initiate the renaming process by referral of the public or staff request to the commission or committee whose sphere of influence is most closely associated with the facility in question. Council can also initiate the renaming of lands or a facility without a public request whenever deemed necessary or in the best interest of the City of Palo Alto, following established criteria. Once the referral is made by the City Page 5 of8 POLICY AND PROCEDURES 1-151MGR Revised: April 2008 Council to a specific commission or committee, the commission or committee will await comment and evaluation of the new name from the Palo Alto Historical Association. B. Responsibility of the Project Manager 1. The City Clerk is responsible for conveying the name suggestion formes) received by the deadline to the Project Manager, who will be responsible for forwarding to the Palo Alto Historical Association and then transmitting the recommendation(s) from the Palo Alto Historical Association to the appropriate commission or committee as outlined in Section A above. 2. The recognized neighborhood association in the vicinity of the land or facility will be notified of the proposed name change at the time the reviewing commission or committee receives the report from the Historical Association. C. Responsibility of the Reviewing Commission Or Committee 1. The commission or committee shall conduct a public hearing, confirm that the suggested name(s) meet the criteria of appropriate significance, select recommendation(s) from the names provided by the Historical Association, and shall forward its recommendation to the City Council. The report from the commission or committee shall acknowledge any recommended names together with its evaluation, but present only the name or names which it feels best meets the criteria and merits serious consideration by the Council. 2. Once approved, a transmittal and resolution will be prepared by staff for consideration , and approval by the City Council. The transmittal shall include a narrative of historic reference for the name or names, together with a copy of the name suggestion form. D. Criteria Each application for renaming a city park or facility must meet the criteria in this policy, but meeting all criteria does not ensure renaming. City-owned lands and facilities may be renamed for an individual(s) under the following conditions. Where the individual: 1. Has made lasting and significant contributions to the protection of natural or cultural resources of the City of Palo Alto, or 2. Has made substantial contributions to the betterment of a specific facility or park, consistent with the established standards for the facility, or 3. Has made substantial contributions to the advancement of commensurate types of recreational opportunities within the City of Palo Alto. Page 6 of8 E. Council Action POLICY AND PROCEDURES 1-151MGR Revised: April 2008 1. The recommendations received from the Palo Alto Historical Association and commission or committee shall be submitted for Council approval. 2. Action by the Council shall be by Council Resolution. F. Follow-up to Selection of Name 1. Subsequent to approval by the City Council, the new name for the City-owned land or facility shall be conveyed to the Department of Public Works for incorporation in City official maps and plans, and to the Palo Alto Historical Association for its records. NOTE: Questions and/or clarification of this policy should be directed to the City Manager's Office. SECTION 3: PROCEDURE FOR OFFERING NAMING RECOGNITION FOR SIGNIFICANT DONATIONS TO CAPITAL FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGNS This section applies to any organized fundraising initiated by the City, a Board/Commission or other group whose sole purpose is to support City programs and operations in support of the renovation/expansion of an existing building, the construction of a new facility, the acquisition of a building/land, or the furnishings, fixtures and equipment in said facilities. A. Responsibility of the staff liaison to the Board, Commission, Task Force or group conducting the Capital Campaign I mplementation of this policy is the responsibility of department in which the project to be acquired/constructed/renovated is managed. A staff liaison appointed to work with the board/committee will guide them through the process and manage appropriate contacts with other departJtlents as necessary during the acquisition, design and construction process. This will ensure that appropriate information and materials are provided to the group and that opportunities and expectations are clear, understandable, and feasible within the framework of the project. B. When a Capital Campaign is initiated by the City, a Commission or other group whose sole purpose is to support City programs and operations, accommodations to the procedures outlined in Sections I and 2 shall be made as follows: a. The organizing body may meet and discuss preliminary plans with the City's liaison, Department I-lead and the City Attorney's ofJIce in order to facilitate any "silent" fundraising period. b. The organizing body shall request authorization from the City Council for a Naming Recognition Plan in support of a specific project. They shall provide the following information in their request: Page 7 of8 POLICY AND PROCEDURES 1-151MGR Revised: April 2008 i. Name of the organizing body; II. Purpose of the campaign; iii. Monetary goal of the campaign; iv. Expected term of the campaign; v. Plan for naming recognition including a schedule of naming opportunities and associated gift levels VI. Maintenance/replacement of naming recognition items -City staff shall work with the organizing body to ensure that the plan includes acknowledgement of the maintenance responsibilities associated with any naming recognition items within the facility. c. Once the Naming Recognition Schedule has been approved by the City COlinciI, the fund-raising body shall have the authority to proceed with making commitments for naming opportunities with potential donors subject to final Council review. d. The naming of a facility or sub-facility will not occur until the pledged donation is received. e. Consistent with the Gifts to the City policy, all gifts paid directly to the City shall be duly reported to the Administrative Services Department (ASD) Director and recognized appropriately in accordance with that policy (Policies and Procedures 1-18). If a donation was given anonymously, the donor's identity shall be. protected to the extent possible. f. Under this procedure, the organizing body must present a final repOli to the City Council for approval, detailing the funds received and any naming opportunities granted, along with a timeline for the completion of the recognition. The group may also come to the Council at any time during the capital campaign for approval of one or more naming recognition items. All naming recognition must be adopted by resolution of the City Council. The City Manager or designee can also request that any donations· and associated naming recognitions be brought to the City Council at an earlier point in the capital campaign for approval. C. The one exception to this procedure shall be for the naming of an entire building as recognition for a signifIcant monetary or land contribution. If a fund-raising group secures a donation significant enough to warrant naming the entire facility in recognition of that individual, family or foundation, this should be presented directly to the City Council for approval separately and as soon as possible after this type of donation is secured. As part of this approval process, the Council may solicit input from the Palo Alto Historical Association or the appropriate board/commission. Consistent with the policy statement, the City will not recognize significant corporate donations by naming an entire facility in honor of these entities. D. In cases of major building reconfigurations or disasters that destroy or damage portions of the building, the City reserves the right to remove and not replace naming recognitions. However, the City will consider the original donation intent in these instances and make accommodations as feasible. Page 8 of8 POLICY AND PROCEDURES 1-15/MGR Revised: April 2008 APPLICATION FOR NAMING OR RENAMING CITY-OWNED LANDS OR FACILITIES Naming objectives: 1. Ensure that parks, recreational areas and facilities are easily identified and located. 2. Ensure that names designated for parks, recreational areas and facilities are consistent with the values and character of the area or neighborhood served. 3. Encourage public participation in the naming, renaming and dedication of parks, recreation areas andfacilities. 4. Encourage the donation of land, funds for land acquisition or development by individuals and groups. Criteria for naming new facilities or parks: The following criteria shall be used in selecting an appropriate name for City-owned land and facilities. 1. The name shall have or preserve the geographic, environmental (relating to natural or physical features), historic or landmark connotation of particular significance to the area in which the land or facility is located, or for the City as a whole. Either connotation is equally valid. 2. Consideration may be given to naming the City-owned land or facility after an individual when the land or facility, or the money for its purchase, has been donated by the individual, or when otherwise warranted by some contribution or service which is deemed to be of major and lasting significance to the acquisition of that piece of land, or planning, development, construction or renovation of that particular facility. Donation of land or resources shall not constitute an obligation by the City to name the land or facility or any portion thereof, after an individual or family. City-owned lands or parks shall not be named for benefactor organizations, groups or businesses, but in special cases, may be considered for sub­ facilities such as rooms or playgrounds. 3. Names honoring individuals or families, other than those of recognized historic importance, must be supported by compelling reasons. 4. In the event the City-owned land or facility was formerly school property or had other ownership such that the name of the school, building or site has community significance or community recognition, consideration may be given to preserving that name. 5. The City encourages naming which reflects the City's ethnic and cultural diversity. 6. No City-owned land or facility shall be named after a seated elected or appointed official. 7. No City-owned land or facility shall be named after a person whose contribution to the City of Palo Alto was or is a part of that individual's normal duties as an employee of the City. An exception may be made for former such employees who have contributed volunteer services of an exceptional nature beyond their normal duties. 8. When naming sub-facilities, such as rooms or playgrounds, after corporate or commercial entities or foundations, these entities must abide by the City's anti-discrimination policy. Page 1 of3 Greer Park -Phase IV Dedicated to Jean and Charles Scott for their perseverance and tenacity in establishing Greer Park! City of Palo Alto & Midtown Residents Association Person making the name suggestion (required): Sheri Furman: Chair, Midtown Residents Association Annette Ashton: Chair, MRA Parks Committee Address Sheri: 3094 Greer Road, Palo Alto, Ca 94303 \ Annette: 2747 Bryant Street, Palo ~Ito, Ca 94306 Contact phone number Sheri: 856-0869 Annette: 321-8933 E-mail (not required) Sheri11@earthlink.net Annette_G@att.net Location of site or facility to be named: Greer Park -Phase IV Suggested name (required) Dedicated to Jean and Charles Scott BACKGROUND: GREER PARK HISTORY In 1972, Planning Commission surveys showed the need for park facilities in the area where the Palo Alto Drive-in was located (1947-1969) and where Greer Park is now. There was a small acre park, acquired in 1963, known as Amarillo Park, but even then it was used as more than a neighborhood park. This park was renamed Greer in 1967. Softball and Little League games were held there regularly. Because neighborhood children had to cross Oregon and Embarcadero to get to Rinconada, or travel more than two miles to get to Mitchell, it was evident that the best possible use of the old drive-in and adjacent undeveloped land was to expand to a District Park. West Bayshore Residents Association worked hard to convince the Council of this! Colorado Park, Palo Alto's first low moderate housing development, had just been built with 60 units and developers immediately proposed other apartments and condominiums, including a 800 unit high rise apartment complex for the area. After many meetings, surveys and data gathering, in June 1973 the Council committed to buying Greer Park and voted unanimously to make the purchase. In 1974, the council voted to add 15 acres to the existing park. In 1974 a Master Plan was designed for the development of the 22.3 acres of Greer Park. To gain passage from Amarillo to Colorado, land was traded with ONC Company; thus 16 acres were actually purchased in 1975. On June 16, 1975 Greer Park was dedicated. In June, 1976 the City Council committed the City to pay $7.5 million for the Arastra land settlement, canceling or freezing most of the CIP (Capital Improvement Program) scheduled for Greer Park. Under a Federal Public Works Act of 1976, $48,000 grant money was used to demolish the old drive-in. $100,000 was put in the 1978-79 CIP for Greer Park development, but Proposition #13 passed in June 1978, and again the CIP was curtailed in response. Greer Park lost again. In 1979, $100,000 State Park Bond Money became available and plans were revamped and it was again decided to work in Phases. A timeline was drawn up to show progress, with construction to begin in July 1980. A ground-breaking ceremony was held in August 1980. This park, which was originally scheduled to be completed in 5 years, finally began development of Phase One in 1980! Due to changing recreational needs and the city financial picture, which severely limited the amount of funds available for capital improvements and facility maintenance, the city council asked staff to work with residents to update the existing Master Plan. In 1982, meetings were held with residents to review the Master Plan. Suggestions were considered for modifying it. The suggested modifications changed the basic concept of the park from an intensely developed facility with several structured activity areas to one that retained most of the existing neighborhood park and emphasized a more passive open space facility that involved an extensive part of the park to be open tufted areas. Phase /I was developed, but the last phase was never completed due to lack of city funding (previously described). In 2003 the Midtown Residents Association (MRA)-encouraged by Jean and Charles Scott-surveyed residents on their priorities and needs for Midtown Parks -Greer, Hoover and Seale. The results were: • Complete last 1.5 acres at Greer Park • Bathrooms at Seale • Weekend reservations for picnic tables at Greer and Hoover. Midtown residents' top priority was to complete the undeveloped acreage at Greer Park. The original master plan called for this area to be a community center,· it was later amended to tennis courts. This unsightly area has been used for everything from an unkempt weedy lot to storage of city vehicles to a sandbag staging center. Biographical information: (Explain) & Connection to the facility: (Ple~se explain in depth) From the MRA History book: JEAN AND CHARLES SCOTT moved to Palo Alto in the 60s so that their three children could attend the schools. But while their three children were going to school, the Scotts went to work, building the West Bayshore Residents Association (WBRA) and working to establish Greer Park. I Their South Palo Alto neighborhood welcomed the low cost subdivision of the Colorado Avenue housing authority in 1972, but drew the line when 1800 units were proposed for the Midtown area between Amarillo and Colorado. With the aid of block captains and neighbor to neighbor involvement, the WBRA took a survey and found that what everyone really wanted was a park. So, Jean and Charles took it to the Palo Alto City Council, and in 1973 money was put in the Capital Improvement Program CIP, toward Greer Park. The City traded land so the park could span the area between Amarillo and Colorado Avenues and demolish the old drive in theatre. Original plans from 1974 called for tennis courts and restrooms. Enid Pearson, the Scotts recalled, cautioned that the land be deSignated a park so that land itself could not in turn be traded or sold as the powers that be changed their mind in years to come. This push to make it a park proved to be a wise one, the Scotts observed. Since 1973, Greer Park has seen its projects shelved in favor of the Arastradero Preserve, put on hold by the passage of Proposition Photo by Sharon Fox 13, and continually passed over for projects in other parts of the City. \ Yet because the land had been designated a park, it was on an almost equal footing with Mitchell and Riconada Parks and the City Council could not carve it up and sell it off to subsidize an ice rink (later to become the Winter Lodge on Middlefield Road) or the YMCA (later built on Ross Road.) While G~eer Park stands as the major project of the WBRA, the Scotts point out the other areas the neighborhood association of the 1970's tackled: candidates' nights, childcare, traffic and 100 year flood controls. Issues tackled then were not very different from the issues which still get the neighborhood out to meetings today. And, while the passing years have seen the addition of a skate board park and the passing of the former city paid staff who monitored park users, Greer Park still has land whose use is being debated by the City . Council and the neighborhood Civic involvement: (Explain) Even though the West 8ayshore Residents Association was long gone, Jean and Charles advocated with 3-4 generations of city management in Community Services; each Director promising them that the work would be completed. They encouraged MRA to set a goal to complete of Phase IV and went on to fully participate in the process to complete the last 1.75 acres. They attended both community and City meetings and spoke at great length to the need for more parklands and open spaces that could be easily accessed and used by all generations. / / Reason for Nomination (required) Jean and Charles Scott worked tirelessly to fully develop Greer Park to fulfill the vision of those folks who worked so hard to make this park a reality. The master plan for Greer Park was created in 1974. After 35 years of hard work, their original dream is being fulfilled. Thus MRA wishes to dedicate this last portion, Phase IV, to Jean's memory and to Charles who stood firm and was outspoken to the end to make this happen. Additional Comments (additional information may be attached) Jean Scott passed away on December 28, 2009. She had the ability to mix humor with profound insight about neighborhood needs. She was able to convey her thoughts about the artwork on West 8ayshore Road with a clever combination of what real art meant to her, and how well-intentioned art projects can go awry! . This parkland dedication to the Scotts will be a lasting tribute to their tenacious spirit-a source of inspiration to all who follow in their footsteps. They hoped to see their children (revised to grandchildren) be able to see the park finally completed. MRA would like all generations of the Scotts to have a permanent reminder of their life-long commitment to completing Greer Park for the benefit of their neighbors.